New Testament

Revelation 17:18

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse from Revelation, the 'woman' symbolizes a powerful city that has significant influence over the rulers of the world.

Author: John the apostle
Written: Around AD 95
Genre: Apocalyptic prophecy
Original Audience: The seven churches of Asia Minor

CBTClear Bible Translation

The woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth."

KJVKing James Version

And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse from Revelation, the 'woman' symbolizes a powerful city that has significant influence over the rulers of the world. This city is often interpreted as representing corrupt systems or empires that oppose God's ways. The imagery of a woman suggests both allure and danger, indicating that this city may appear attractive but ultimately leads people away from righteousness. The phrase 'rules over the kings of the earth' highlights the extent of its power and control, suggesting that it has a dominant role in shaping worldly affairs. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of being seduced by worldly power and the importance of remaining faithful to God's truth amidst such influences. Explore related authority.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Revelation 17:18 to your life

This verse encourages us to be vigilant against the allure of worldly power and influence. We should evaluate the systems and ideologies we engage with, ensuring they align with our faith. Staying grounded in God's truth helps us resist the temptations of corruption and remain faithful to our spiritual commitments.

Curated for this public verse page. Revelation Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does the 'woman' represent in Revelation 17:18?

In Revelation 17:18, the 'woman' symbolizes a powerful city or system that exerts significant influence over the rulers of the earth. This imagery often represents corrupt empires or societal structures that oppose God's principles, suggesting both allure and danger. The verse warns of the seductive nature of such power, highlighting the need for discernment in the face of worldly temptations.

How can Revelation 17:18 apply to modern society?

Revelation 17:18 serves as a cautionary reminder for modern society to be aware of the influences of power and corruption. It encourages individuals to critically assess the ideologies and systems they engage with, ensuring they align with their faith. By staying grounded in biblical truth, believers can resist the temptations of worldly allure and maintain their commitment to righteousness.

What is the significance of the phrase 'rules over the kings of the earth'?

The phrase 'rules over the kings of the earth' in Revelation 17:18 emphasizes the extensive power and control that the 'woman' or corrupt city holds over worldly affairs. It signifies the influence that such systems can have on leaders and nations, shaping decisions and actions that may lead people away from God's truth. This highlights the importance of vigilance against such influences in our own lives.

Why is the imagery of a woman used in this verse?

The use of a woman in Revelation 17:18 carries rich symbolism, representing both allure and danger. Women in biblical literature often embody beauty, seduction, and temptation, which can lead to both positive and negative outcomes. In this context, the woman symbolizes a city that may appear attractive but ultimately leads to corruption and moral decline, serving as a warning to remain faithful to God amidst such seductions.

Book Summary

The Book of Revelation

Revelation 1: The Revelation of Jesus Christ

This is the revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gives Him to show His servants things which must shortly come to pass, sent and signified by His angel to John, who bears record of the word of God. A blessing is pronounced upon those who read and hear the words of this prophecy and keep the things written therein, for the time is at hand. John writes to the seven churches in Asia, sending grace and peace from Him which is, and which was, and which is to come, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten of the dead, who washed us from our sins in His own blood. He declares Himself Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. John, in the isle of Patmos for the word of God, is in the Spirit on the Lord's day and hears behind him a great voice as a trumpet. Turning, he sees seven golden candlesticks and one like the Son of man among them, clothed to the foot, His head and hairs white as wool, His eyes as a flame of fire, His feet like fine brass, His voice as the sound of many waters, seven stars in His right hand, and a sharp twoedged sword going out of His mouth. John falls at His feet as dead, and the Lord lays His right hand upon him, saying, Fear not, I am the first and the last, He that liveth and was dead and is alive for evermore. He reveals that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches and the seven candlesticks are the seven churches.

Revelation 2: Letters to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira The Lord dictates letters to four of the seven churches. To Ephesus He commends their labor and patience and their rejection of evil men, but charges that they have left their first love, calling them to repent and do the first works. To Smyrna, suffering tribulation and poverty yet rich, He warns of coming imprisonment and bids them be faithful unto death to receive a crown of life, promising the overcomer shall not be hurt by the second death. To Pergamos, dwelling where Satan's seat is, He commends their holding fast His name but rebukes those holding the doctrine of Balaam and of the Nicolaitans, promising the overcomer hidden manna and a white stone with a new name. To Thyatira He commends their charity and works yet rebukes their suffering the woman Jezebel to teach and seduce His servants, declaring He will cast her into a bed of tribulation and that He searcheth the reins and hearts; the overcomer shall have power over the nations and the morning star. Revelation 3: Letters to Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea The Lord continues to the remaining three churches. To Sardis He declares they have a name that they live but are dead, urging them to be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, yet noting a few who have not defiled their garments who shall walk with Him in white. To Philadelphia, who has kept His word and not denied His name, He sets before them an open door which no man can shut, promising to keep them from the hour of temptation that shall come upon all the world, and that the overcomer shall be a pillar in the temple of God. To Laodicea He rebukes their being lukewarm, neither cold nor hot, so that He will spue them out of His mouth; they think themselves rich and increased with goods, but are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, and He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire. He declares that He stands at the door and knocks, and if any man hear His voice and open the door, He will come in to him; the overcomer shall sit with Him in His throne.

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